Striped California Kingsnake
About this product
Striped California Kingsnake — 240+ sold. In stock at Morphdirect.
The Striped California Kingsnake is a classic, high-contrast colubrid for intermediate to advanced keepers. Its consistent pattern and manageable size make it a reliable display animal. We've kept 20+ in stock since early 2024 due to constant demand, and customer feedback confirms it consistently meets expectations.
Stand-Out Features
- Defined Striping: Clean, alternating bands of black and white or cream run the length of the body, offering a bold, graphic look.
- Proven Temperament: Known for being more docile than many other kingsnake species, especially when handled regularly from a young age.
- Efficient Feeder: Readily accepts frozen/thawed rodents appropriate to its size, with a strong feeding response.
- Manageable Adult Size: Typically reaches 3 to 4 feet, making its enclosure requirements reasonable for most setups.
- Hardy Constitution: This morph is established and robust, with straightforward care requirements for an experienced keeper.
Technical Data
| Scientific Name | Lampropeltis californiae |
| Morph | Striped |
| Typical Adult Length | 3 - 4 feet |
| Weight (measured) | 1.9 oz |
| Recommended Enclosure (Adult) | 40-gallon breeder or equivalent |
| Primary Diet | Frozen/Thawed Rodents |
| Temperature Gradient | 75°F (ambient) - 85°F (basking) |
| Experience Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
Your Questions Answered
Is this snake a good choice for a beginner?
While hardy, kingsnakes can be fast and have a strong feeding response that may startle a novice. We recommend prior experience with basic colubrid care before acquiring this species.
How is the temperament on these?
Our stock tends to be defensive initially but typically calms with consistent, confident handling. They are not typically prone to biting once acclimated, but individual personalities vary.
What's the genetic background of the striped pattern?
The striped pattern is a recessive trait. Breeding two striped individuals will produce all striped offspring. Breeding a striped to a normal banded animal will produce all normals that are heterozygous for the stripe gene.
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Specs at a glance
Key attributes
| Species | Live Animal |